KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said the Sabah State Government remains committed to ensuring that unity and harmony continue to serve as the foundation of the state’s development.
According to him, the State Government consistently supports programmes that promote unity and bring together people from diverse backgrounds, strengthening relationships among communities.
“We also uphold the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises well-being, compassion, mutual respect and sustainability in national development, as the basis for lasting unity and shared prosperity,” he said at the National Unity Week celebration held at the Likas Sports Complex here today.
Hajiji said Sabah’s selection as host of this year’s national-level National Unity Week celebration was a great honour for the state.
“At the same time, it is also a recognition of Sabah’s way of life, where harmony and togetherness have long been part of our cultural heritage and passed down through generations,” he said, adding that this is Sabah’s greatest contribution to nation-building in Malaysia.
“We also see our brothers and sisters from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak here today not merely as guests, but as part of one large Malaysian family,” he added.
The Chief Minister called on all Malaysians to reflect upon and redefine the meaning of unity as preparation for a more challenging future.
“True unity can no longer be measured solely by good manners or passive tolerance.
“Rather, genuine unity requires meaningful action, sustained commitment, sincerity, mutual respect and, most importantly, the assurance of socio-economic justice and equality for every region.
“A family institution, let alone a large and diverse nation such as Malaysia, can only be truly strong and resilient when every member, and every state and territory, feels genuinely valued, protected and developed fairly and equitably.
“With a sincere spirit of togetherness as one Malaysian family, living in unity is important, and living in harmony is equally important, in pursuit of enduring prosperity and well-being,” he said.
He also urged the people of Sabah to continue safeguarding harmony, appreciating ethnic and religious diversity, and strengthening the spirit of goodwill that has long been the hallmark of Sabah’s unique identity.
“With strong cooperation, our focus on unity and development can be achieved more effectively through social consensus and political commitment involving all parties.
“Let us continue to strengthen our collective commitment to preserving prosperity, reinforcing unity and ensuring that the harmony we enjoy today can be passed on to future generations,” he said.-pr/BNN
